TRANSFER TRACKER: Lions confirm signing of Stormer
This week’s transfer column is headlined by the Lions’ announcement that they have secured the services of Stormers wing Angelo Davids.
The 25-year-old Davids, who has made 37 appearances for the Stormers since 2020, is expected to replace Springbok Edwill van der Merwe, who was a star in the Lions jumper but has joined the Sharks for the new season.
In other transfer news, we can reveal England international Owen Farrell’s latest move and Ardie Savea’s sabbatical.
Savea will return to Japan’s Steelers in 2026, exercising a sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby contract.
The 31-year-old, World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023, helped propel Moana Pasifika to within a whisker of the Super Rugby play-offs this year.
“I have so much love for what we started with Moana this year, so I’m looking forward to coming back in 2027,” Savea said.
“It’s hard to leave, even though it’s only for one season, but I’ll be supporting the team from afar and will stay involved behind the scenes.
“This year at Moana Pasifika was the happiest I’ve been in my career.”
Savea played for the Steelers in 2024, and will be eligible for the All Blacks Tests against France this year and July Tests in 2026 which are after the end of the Japan season.
Savea is contracted to New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2027.
*Saracens confirmed on Monday that Owen Farrell will return to the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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Busting his way into the Pride. 🦁#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/0GkL02hAUl
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) June 17, 2025
In other transfer news:
- The Hurricanes have announced the departure of midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen. The one-time All Black has signed to play in Japan moving forward. Other players also leaving are Zach Gallagher, Will Tucker, Riley Hohepa, Daniel Sinkinson, Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore and Josh Taula.
- Ireland Performance coach Gary Keegan has joined Andy Farrell’s coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
- Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith (currently playing for Oyonnax in France) is rumoured to be on his way to the Lions in Johannesburg.
- Exeter have signed Harlequins’ versatile Canada international Maddy Grant for the 2025-26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
- Former Rugby League prop Ben Flower has been added to Wales women’s coaching set-up.
- Griquas announced the arrival of Johan ‘Bom’ Louw to Kimberley. Bom, a tight head prop, joins the team from Tuks and the Bulls.
- Gloucester confirmed that after a successful training and rehabilitation period with the club, All Black prop Nepo Laulala has signed a contract ahead of the 2025/26 season.
- Canada prop DaLeaka Menin has signed a new deal to stay at Exeter for the 2025-26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
- Springbok Curwin Bosch has signed a contract extension with France Pro D2 outfit Brive until 2028.
- Bath have announced that Finn Russell has signed a new contract that will keep the Scotland and British & Irish Lions international with the club until June 2028.
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